NOVEMBER 11, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
Charity Begins with a Fiscal Checkup
The Charity Navigator Web site helps you figure out whether a nonprofit has its financial house in order before you make a donation

NOVEMBER 4, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
My Favorite Mutual Fund
Not only does it produce solid returns at little risk but the Vanguard Balanced Index Fund involves hardly any time or worry

OCTOBER 28, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
Auditing the Auditors
One professor's study proposes a way to rate the work of accounting firms. The method may not be perfect, but he may well be on to something

OCTOBER 21, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
Should GE Be on Your Shopping List?
With its dividend yield up and its p-e down, General Electric looks tempting. But its returns aren't likely to be anything special

OCTOBER 14, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
Is Dole Worth a Fierce Food Fight?
CEO David Murdock wants to buy the food company, and investors are suing in response. But maybe this is one offer they should gobble up

SEPTEMBER 30, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
Handicapping Citigroup's Future
At $30 a share, Citi is tempting. But how do you reconcile its undervalued earnings power with its incalculable risks?

SEPTEMBER 23, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
The Money in Creature Comforts
Not only do dogs, cats, and pythons have to eat, but they're pampered even in hard times. That makes PETsMART and Petco cheap growth bets

SEPTEMBER 16, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
What This Watchdog Needs
It would help if the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board had members with a healthy skepticism. Should you apply?

SEPTEMBER 9, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
Why Insiders Like Agilent
Employees at the company know that the weak demand and soft prices it faces for test and measurement gear won't last forever

SEPTEMBER 2, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
Finance Software: The Updating Game
Quicken and Money 2003 have slick new features for investors, but they require accurate, sometimes elusive data--and more patience

AUGUST 26, 2002  25 IDEAS FOR A CHANGING WORLD -- CODA
The Art of Brainstorming
Hiring diverse, even eccentric people, mixing them up in unexpected ways, and asking them to do something unusual can prompt surprising ideas

AUGUST 5, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
Will the SEC Bless This Masquerade?
A proposed rule change would allow stockbrokers to advise like a planner without disclosing conflicts, as planners are required to do

JULY 29, 2002  BUSINESSWEEK INVESTOR -- RETIREMENT GUIDE
Cops and Teachers Are Getting Soaked
They're among the public servants often locked into paying high fees for inferior retirement plans

JULY 19, 2002  BARKER.ONLINE
I Want My Money TV. But Which One?
It's becoming a tough call: Veteran Louis Rukeyser's new CNBC gig -- or the up-and-comers who took over his former slot at PBS

JULY 15, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
Bargain-Hunting in the Small-Cap Patch
With the recent softening in prices, smaller company stocks may offer good value. Here are five--with strong balance sheets--that stand out

JULY 8, 2002  THE BARKER PORTFOLIO
Time to Save Face at Janus?
Janus Capital's recent work for fundholders looks mediocre, at best. But it's unlikely the trustees will even consider a new management company